The day we visited Farnsworth Park was very wet. It was pouring rain, actually. We met a friend and her two little boys at the park, where she had been waiting for over an hour for someone (anyone!) to show for a local mother's group playdate. Still, she was bright and cheerful and willing to stick it out a bit longer so our children could play together. Lover her! You will have to excuse the pictures, neither one of us wanted to get drenched.
Farnsworth Park is a small community play ground. Don't let the initial view of the park fool you, it has a fair amount of green spaces for such a little park and one could easily have a family picnic or play a game of football while enjoying a sunny day at the park. Behind the play ground, to the right of the hill is a large open green space. Farnsworth park also has a covered pavilion for just this sort of event that can be reserved in advance in 4 hour time blocks, for a small fee. Though this park is small, it is fairly popular, so I advise reserving it if you can to avoid party crashers. There are 2 additional picnic tables around the perimeter of the park as well. We think the city should consider adding a fire pit or grill to the pavilion.
The park is located in a quiet neighborhood, not far from the Moose is Loose bakery, Key Bank and the Soldotna Wash N Dry. There is a church nearby that overlooks the park. There is parking for 10 or so vehicles, including handicapped parking. There IS a portapotty, that is well maintained (usually).
This park is recommended for children ages 2 and up. Children smaller than this will find little to accomodate their small size, though parents can easily lift children up into the rocking insect car-like toys for a short ride or help them crawl on or under the tiny rock wall tunnel.
There are 3 different slides at Farnsworth Park, including one extra long wavy slide that runs down the small hill. Children enjoy climbing the tiered steps up the hill and running up and down the paths.
The park boasts paved paths that circle around the play areas and large wood chip landing material under all equipment, which is wonderful if you are wearing sandals. I hate getting gravel in my sandals or finding it in my children's pockets on laundry day! There are oversized, plastic percussion instruments, and though they don't make a very good drumming sound, children will love to beat on them. A handful of benches dot the paved paths for weary park goers or parents that want to keep an eye on older kids without chasing them everywhere.
The only thing missing from this park are swings. Absolutely no swings.
One thing I would caution parents on is the wooded areas. On the left side of the park, the wood is sparse and you can see up a hill to private residences. Children don't usually go far off here. The other side of the park, however, is much thicker and blocked from view by bushes. There is a trail near the portapotty and if children should wander that way, they will find a tree with low limbs and probably want to hang on it. They may find inappropriate items or trash left from unauthorized "campers". Best to keep your children out of the woods or check around well before letting them play there.
Overall a very nice park! Small, but with ample green space, good landscaping and newer equipment. If you find yourself at the big park near the river and it is too crowded for you, Farnsworth park is a great alternative for play or picnic. Well done, City of Soldotna!
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